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Public and council push back on APCHA plan to limit retirees' leave-of-absence
Summary
APCHA's proposal to shorten leave-of-absence rights for retirees drew sharp criticism from public commenters and councilmembers, who said the change could force seniors to sell homes for medical/family reasons and risk legal challenges.
APCHA outlined a change that would limit cumulative leave-of-absence time (the "Caribbean rotation") to a total of 24 months over a 10-year period, replacing the current annual six-month leave option.
Council members expressed strong concern about the proposal's effects on seniors who travel for family care or medical treatment. "I don't see any harm being done" by preserving a six-month leave, one councilmember said, urging enforcement of existing lease requirements rather than restricting leave rights. Public commenter Inga Lark warned council that changing ownership terms retrospectively "is likely unlawful" and could prompt class-action litigation; another commenter, Mick Ireland, called the change "morally unjust" and cited a legal ruling against retroactive county fee changes as a cautionary precedent.
Council requested more compliance data and emphasized preserving flexibility for retirees while ensuring units are leased to qualifying workers when owners are away. APCHA will return with additional information at the May 7 second reading.
